"We've gained a reputation over the years that we can accommodate these shows," she said.

Location and tech

Bryan said planning each new season depends on which productions are touring along the Interstate 10 corridor, often between performances in Jacksonville and New Orleans.

Smaller cities, such as Pensacola and Mobile, also attract touring shows, but the Mattie Kelly Center's versatility and technical superiority can mean local audiences get shows that might skip those cities.

Making a stop en route to the next major engagement also explains why most touring Broadway shows only run one night, Bryan said. It can also reflect the local market, she added.

"Usually the one-nighter is a function of their schedule ... but it's hard in this market to fill up that house two nights," she said.

A towering fly space — the multi-story space above the stage — along with wide wings and a deep stage attract shows dependent on several sets, scenery and technical effects.

When the curtain rises Tuesday on the creepy, kooky and all together ooky "Addams Family" musical, local audiences will enjoy a show that entertained New York audiences for 722 performances.

But their appreciation of the Mattie Kelly Main Stage's technical advances is unlikely. And that's just fine with Bryan, who said it's the show, not how it's produced, that matters to ticketholders.